Young soccer players will descend on San Diego Aug. 12 for the fifth annual TOPSoccer Day at La Jolla’s Allen Field.
TOPSoccer is The Outreach Program for Soccer, dedicated to provide soccer opportunities to all athletes with physical and/or mental disabilities.
The TOPSoccer program has been in existence as part of Cal South, the governing body of youth soccer in Southern California, since 1992.
Rick Flores, director of coaching for La Jolla Youth Soccer League, said the event got started seven years ago when he was directed to help in a camp for TOPSoccer in Yorba Linda.
“My contact was Sandy Castillo, who does a great job for all programs and who motivated me and got me going to be part of this program,” Flores said. “I did not know what was in store for me until I began working with these special athletes.
“It was a rewarding experience for me and a light clicked that I could start my own event. We are now in our fifth year of ‘TOPSoccer Day’ and always looking to improve this event.”
Athletes with special needs are invited to participate in this fun-filled day. Soccer games, event T-shirts and lunch will be provided.
When asked how many kids he expects to participate in the event, Flores said it is tough to say, “but I would say this year we could be looking at 60 to 70 players. We are still getting the word out on this event and pushing to get as many athletes to attend as possible. It is generated by donations and everything is paid for.”
Flores said in past years, the majority of the players came from outside the La Jolla area.
“I am attempting to balance this,” Flores said. “There are many families skeptical of this and we are trying to make them feel at ease and attend.”
For further information on attending, contact Flores at [email protected] or call (760) 519-4233.